The joyous strains of “Pure Imagination” lead into an equally joyous celebration of life – and chocolate – in Warner Bros Pictures’ Wonka. Movie fans could have had a one-two Timothée Chalamet punch if Dune 2 hadn’t been pulled from the theatrical release calendar. But for now, Chalamaniacs will have to settle for seeing the ever-charming actor light up the screen in the prequel to 1971’s Willa Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
Chalamet is no Gene Wilder, but then again, no one can fill Wilder’s shoes. Not even Johnny Depp came close in 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Still, comparisons aside, Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (Call Me by Your Name) proved to be an excellent choice to play the overly optimistic chocolatier with huge dreams and an even bigger heart.
The film opens with Willy Wonka ready to make his mark on the world with his delectable chocolate creations. With tattered clothes, one lone suitcase, and seven silver sovereigns to his name, Willy comes ashore after seven years at sea. He’s bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, his dreams of opening his own chocolate shop on the verge of becoming a reality.
Of course, if stepping on shore with high hopes and a dream in his heart were enough to launch a successful business, Wonka would be 15 minutes long. It’s not.
Instead, the budding chocolatier almost immediately hands over all his money. Penniless, he’s tricked into signing away 10 years of his life to Mrs. Scrubitt (Oscar winner Olivia Colman) and Bleacher (Tom Davis) who run the town’s laundry. Forced into scrub-scrubbing the days away, the inventive visionary pulls in the other unfortunate debtors in a plan to escape servitude and build his chocolate business.
Unfortunately, the wide-eyed dreamer has no idea that chocolate is a cutthroat business. And because Willy’s chocolate, based on his mother’s secret recipe, is scrumpdiddlyumptious, Willy immediately draws the wrath of the wicked chocolate cartel – Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton), Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), and Prodnose (Matt Lucas).
The nefarious trio know their products are no match for Wonka’s wonderful treats (there’s even one that lifts the consumer into the sky), so they conspire with the corrupt Chief of Police (Keegan-Michael Key) to put an end to Wonka’s career before it even begins.
Timothée Chalamet captures the spirit of Gene Wilder’s Wonka, nailing a mix of bubbly, bonkers exuberance and simple childish joy. Chalamet’s engaging performance invites the audience to give themselves over to this fantastical world filled with colorful characters and bizarre chocolatey treats.
Singing skills aren’t listed near the top on Chalamet’s resume (or Gene Wilder’s, for that matter), but enthusiasm goes a long way toward making the musical numbers enjoyable. What Chalamet lacks in range, he more than makes up for by wholeheartedly embracing the innocence and bigheartedness of Willy Wonka’s spirit. Wonka’s songs aren’t as memorable as 1971’s “Oompa-Loompa-Doompa-De-Do” or “Pure Imagination,” but they’re entertaining enough and move the film along without disrupting the story’s flow.
Wonka’s loaded with incredible supporting performances, including Olivia Colman, Tom Davis, and Willy’s partners in crime – Calah Lane as Noodles the orphan, Rich Fulcher as comedian Larry Chucklesworth, Rakhee Thakrar as telephone operator Lottie Bell, Natasha Rothwell as plumber Piper Benz, and Jim Carter as the group’s leader, accountant Abacus Crunch. Mathew Baynton, Paterson Joseph, and Matt Lucas are a hoot as the three villainous chocolatiers. Rowan Atkinson adds to the fun, popping up as a priest who oversees hundreds of monks obsessed with chocolate.
And then there’s Hugh Grant, nailing the role of Lofty, the first Oompa Loompa to become involved in Willy’s wacky world. Chalamet and Grant’s scenes are the weirdest and, arguably, the most fun of the film. Grant even delivers a new version of the “Oompa Loompa” song, so make sure you stick around through the credits.
Wonka’s a delightful, whimsical, feel-good film with stunning visuals and terrific performances. It’s fine family fun and the perfect escape from the stress of the real world for a couple of hours.
GRADE: B+
MPAA Rating: PG for some violence, mild language, and thematic elements
Running Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Release Date: December 15, 2023
Directed By: Paul King
Written By: Simon Farnaby and Paul King
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